Key Benefits

Manpower:

A virtually unlimited supply of trained and skilled electricians
is literally just a phone call away. When you have an abundance
of work you simply call the union hall and request the number
of employees needed. When work is slow, you simply send your
excess employees back to the union hall.

Training:

Our apprentice electricians serve in a New York State approved
five-year program. They receive on the job training, as well
as 185 hours of classroom/lab instruction per year in
all aspects of the electrical trade. The training program
also provides training to all classifications of electricians
as well as upgrade courses in new codes and technologies. The
result is an employee who is well trained in all aspects of
the electrical construction industry.

Stability:

With a collective bargaining agreement you will have the
peace of mind in knowing exactly what your labor costs will
be from year to year for a specified period of time.
Collective bargaining agreements are typically three
years in length, and are negotiated between union and
employer representatives.

Safety:

Our members are trained in OSHA 10, First Aid & C.P.R.,
and various other electrical safety related programs.
This training is provided at no cost to you, so our
members are ready to work as soon as they hit the job-site.

Workforce Quality:

Our members are participants in the “Code of Excellence Program”.
This innovative new program ensures that you are 100% satisfied
with the union electricians on your job-sites.

Q & A

If I sign a contract
with the union will I be giving up my
rights to run my company?

No. Local 43 does not run your
business. We simply supply you with
manpower wherever and whenever you need
it.

What happens to my current employees if
I were to sign a contract with the union?

All of your employees will be offered
union membership regardless of their
individual skill level. Local 43 will work
with you to determine what the
appropriate classification is for each
employee.

What about my present jobs that were not
bid based on union wages and benefits?

All of the jobs that you bid prior to
becoming a signatory contractor will be
listed in our agreement. You will be able
to finish these jobs at the wage rate used
at bidding, using your current workforce.
Only work bid after the signing date must
be performed at the union wage scale.

Is it true that when a project is completed I have to lay
off the employees on that job, and send them back to the union hall?

In almost every case it is your choice to either
lay an employee off, or transfer them to another job-site.

Who determines the individuals that will
oversee my projects as foremen?

You choose your foremen and where they will work.

How can the union help my company with
the problem of rising health care
premiums?

All contractors signed with Local 43
contribute to the same medical fund. This
allows for a better “group rate”. Also, the
premium is based on “hours worked” so
you only pay for your employees, and only
for the hours they work.

Can I purchase medical insurance for
office staff and myself through the same
fund as the union?

Yes. Owners and office staff are eligible
for the same medical insurance that the
union members enjoy.

I have had problems in the past finding
qualified electricians, how can the union’s
referral hall help fill my manpower needs?

When your workload is great, trained and
skilled employees are just a phone call
away. If your workload decreases and you
need to layoff, you send the employees
back to the local union where they sign
the out of work list, allowing them to go
to work for another signatory contractor.